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Welcome back to Pitch Point — your go-to newsletter for real, no-fluff PR strategies that actually work. Every edition, we break down a case study to show how smart comms can solve tough challenges and drive real growth.

This time, we’re looking at how Injective used a Forbes 30 Under 30 award to win over skeptical investors and build credibility in crypto.

Let’s get into it! ⬇️

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Case: The Forbes 30 Under 30 Strategy — Boosting Credibility 

Forbes 30 Under 30 is a big deal, but let’s be real — some people joke that making the list is a bad omen. Over the years, a handful of honorees have ended up in legal trouble, mostly for financial crimes. That’s led to the internet calling it the best “anti-portfolio.”

But despite the memes, the award carries weight. It’s one of the few you can’t buy your way into — it’s all about editorial merit. And for founders in industries with trust issues (like crypto), it can make a real difference.

That’s exactly why we helped Injective Labs go after it. As a decentralized finance platform, they needed to win over institutional investors who were skeptical of crypto.

We knew a Forbes 30 Under 30 spot could help bridge that trust gap. And it did! The recognition gave Injective credibility, helped them attract more investors, and got them noticed in the industry.

Here’s how we made it happen.

Step 1: Pick The Right Awards

There are tons of awards out there, but not every award is worth chasing. Some are just shiny badges, while others actually mean something. The key is going after the ones that carry real weight in your industry — awards that investors, partners, and customers respect.

For Injective Labs, Forbes 30 Under 30 was the right move. It’s a big name that signals credibility, and getting into the Finance category helped them stand out in crypto, an industry where trust is hard to earn.

Other awards that actually matter:

🔥 Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies – Great for startups pushing the boundaries
🔥 Fortune’s Most Innovative Companies – A credibility boost for businesses shaping their industries
🔥 The Information’s 50 Most Promising Startups – A direct line to serious investors
🔥 Other major industry award with editorial backing – If you can’t buy your way in, it’s probably legit

Step 2: Nail The Submission Process

For Injective, we handled everything — because just being great isn’t enough. You need a strong nomination.

Here’s what we did:

✔ Got the right nominators. We found respected industry voices — not just anyone — to back the founders. Their credibility helped strengthen the case.
✔ Crafted a compelling story. Numbers and impact matter. We highlighted Injective’s achievements in a way that made them stand out.
✔ Made it easy. We wrote the submissions for the nominators. All they had to do was submit.
✔ Followed up. If the editorial team asks for more details, that’s a good sign. We stayed on their radar to keep the momentum going.

Step 3: Strengthen Your Case

Timing matters. Right before the submission deadline, we announced a venture fund that had already been working through an exclusive TechCrunch piece. This move reinforced Injective’s credibility and got them noticed by the judges.

If you’re applying for an award, look for a last-minute boost:
🚀 A big funding round
🚀 A high-profile partnership
🚀 A major product launch

Fresh, exciting news can give your nomination the extra push it needs.

The Impact

For Injective, getting on Forbes 30 Under 30 helped change how investors saw them. It gave them instant credibility, helped bridge the gap between Web3 and traditional finance, and made them a company worth betting on.

Takeaway for Founders

Awards like Forbes 30 Under 30 aren’t just for bragging rights. The right recognition can open real doors — to investors, partners, and customers. But it takes more than just being great. You also need a compelling story, and the ability to tell it well.

Done right, industry recognition isn’t just a trophy — it’s a growth strategy.

Want Results Like This? Let’s Talk!

This month, we’re offering three free 30-minute PR strategy sessions for founders who want to use media and industry recognition to unlock new business opportunities.

This is your chance to:

✅ Find the top awards and recognitions for your industry
✅ Learn how to position your company for success
✅ Build a PR strategy that turns recognition into real growth

Spots are limited — email [email protected] or [email protected] to grab yours! 🚀

Thanks for Reading!

That’s a wrap for this edition of Pitch Point! Got any feedback or ideas for future cases? Hit us up at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you.

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Aleksandra from MA Family